Victoria's Country Fire Authority CEO Paul Smith is stepping down after 14 months in the job.
Dr Smith was appointed CEO in February 2018 and is the fifth CEO in four years.
He is moving to the state Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions as a chief advisor on climate change in industry transition.
The CFA board said it's "disappointed to be losing someone of Paul's calibre and experience".
"His achievements in such a short time will better position the organisation to meet the challenges in the future," it said in a statement on Monday.
"Under his leadership, the CFA has overhauled wellbeing and member support services, implemented stronger governance and integrity measures, introduced programs to improve diversity and inclusion within CFA and begun the rollout of a child safety framework."
A decision will be made in coming days on a temporarily fill-in, the board said.
